The Grace Fort Gouldsby Scholarship foundation
Excellence Redefined
The Grace Fort Gouldsby
Scholarship Foundation
Excellence Redifined
"Helping the Future Grow One Mind at a Time"
The Grace Fort Gouldsby Scholarship Foundation awards scholarships for the purpose of recognizing high school seniors in the state of Texas who have demonstrated outstanding and committed service in their community as well as academic excellence. This award is intended to provide financial assistance to such students in attaining their educational and career goals.
GFGSF is Partnering with Project Power!
More Information: Project Power |
On September 19 visit our campaign page to show your support.
Early donations will bee accepted on September 9th.
Slayton Batts
Slayton is a 2024 graduate of Hooks High School and a Civil Engineering major at Tarleton State University. His dedication to music began in the fifth grade, leading to his role as drum major during his senior year. In addition to his musical achievements, Slayton excelled academically, participating in multiple UIL competitions that challenged his problem-solving and critical thinking skills. As a member of Mu Alpha Theta and the National Honor Society, he maintained a strong commitment to academic excellence while fostering a love for mathematics and collaborative learning. Now pursuing his studies in Civil Engineering, Slayton draws upon the discipline and leadership he cultivated through his diverse experiences.
Evan Beaty
Evan graduated with honors from Duncanville High School in 2024, where he cultivated his passion for classical music as a member of the varsity choir. Beyond his musical pursuits, he competed on the tennis team and dedicated his time to volunteering with the youth organization Future Iota Leaders and his church. Inspired by his love for music and community service, Evan is now pursuing a degree in Music Education at Kansas State University. This spring, he will take the stage in his first opera, furthering his commitment to sharing the joy of music with others.
Nigel Tatum
Nigel is a first-year Computer Science student at Cornell University, expected to graduate in June 2028. As an African American and Native American student, he has consistently challenged stereotypes and excelled in STEM. Often the only student with his background in advanced courses like Physics C, Calculus BC, and Computer Science, Nigel thrived academically while also excelling as a student-athlete. In high school, he served as a wrestling team captain and varsity defensive lineman, balancing leadership roles with his passion for programming. His skills earned him statewide recognition, placing 10th in C# programming in 2023 and 3rd in Texas for C++ programming in 2024, leading to a national qualification. Committed to breaking barriers, Nigel continues to pursue innovation and excellence in technology.
Taryn Watkins
Taryn is a Criminal Justice student at Prairie View A&M University, aspiring to become a criminal defense attorney. Her passion for advocacy and justice drives her dedication to making a meaningful impact. In her free time, she enjoys observing trials at the courthouse, listening to music, and exploring her love of shopping. Growing up, Taryn was an active member of the Dallas chapter of Jack and Jill of America, where she participated in numerous community service initiatives, gaining firsthand experience in supporting those in need. Inspired by these experiences, she is committed to using her voice to amplify the stories of those who are often unheard and unseen. Taryn’s ultimate goal is to contribute to a more just and equitable society.
Jeshua Williams
Jeshua graduated from Plano East Senior High School while simultaneously participating in the Architectural Industries Academy program offered by PISD and Collin College. This experience provided a strong foundation for his pursuit of higher education in architecture. Inspired from a young age by his father, an engineer, Jeshua developed a fascination with STEM fields. Whether coding games, building with Legos, or exploring creative projects, his curiosity and passion for problem-solving were evident early on. Jeshua is now continuing his studies at Oklahoma State University’s Donald W. Reynolds School of Architecture.
About GRACE
She graduated in 1946 with a Bachelors degree. She did graduate work at Prairie View A&M University and East Texas State University, Commerce, Texas. Mrs. Gouldsby started her teaching career at Center Point Boarding High School, Pittsburgh, Texas, where she did her student teaching in 1946.
She accepted her first teaching assignment at Wynn High School in Garland City, Arkansas where she taught homemaking and coached girls’ athletics. During the various stages of her teaching career, in the colored school system and after integration, she taught Elementary, Junior High and High School. Areas of concentration included the head start program, remedial reading, home economics and Braille instruction. She was an active community leader and worked with children in the 4-H Club, Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts (Den Mother) and was a dietician mother and extension agent.
Her family established the Grace Fort Gouldsby Scholarship Foundation, a non-profit corporation, on the occasion of her retirement from the teaching profession in June of 1989. It was a means of expressing their love and appreciation for Mrs. Gouldsby’s unsparing devotion to excellence in education.
The annual scholarship is awarded to a meritorious high school graduate to assist in furthering his/her education. The recipients of the award exhibit excellence in leadership and scholarship. The initial Scholarship Committee was selected by Mrs. Gouldsby, which was comprised of members of the community. Today, the Scholarship Committee is comprised of citizens from the community and board members determines awards. Over the years, many people have made generous contributions to the Foundation particularly during the period after Mrs. Gouldsby’s untimely death in 1991. Contributions are tax deductible and go directly into the Scholarship Foundation. The experience, energy and dedication that Grace Fort Gouldsby brought to the field of education greatly enriched our children, our community, and our overall quality of life, and the Scholarship Foundation is one way of continuing her life-long commitment to quality education and quality life.
The Foundation extends its sincere appreciation to the many patrons, fiends, and family members who have supported their efforts to assist these deserving young persons. The goal is to raise enough funds to ensure that the Grace Fort Gouldsby Scholarship Foundation will continue in perpetuity, and with your help we can make this goal a reality.
Devotion to Excellence in Education
Grace Fort Gouldsby, shown below with her 1954 3rd grade class in Hooks, Bowie County, TX, is the name sake of the Foundation. She began her teaching career at the historic Center Point School in Pittsburgh, TX, which was a boarding school known for its premier education that educated students from cities and towns across the country.
Meet the board Members
Mattye Gouldsby Jones
President
Mattye is a Director in the Affordable Housing and Community Development Group of Coats Rose, PC. She has nearly thirty years of experience to her clients. She is a lecturer and nationally recognized leader in housing law and consults clients in strategies and development transactions in several states. She attended Hooks High School and is one of the founders of the Grace Fort Gouldsby Scholarship Foundation. She attained her Bachelors degree in Finance from the University of Texas and law degree from the University of Texas School of Law. A former governing committee chair of the ABA Forum on Affordable Housing and Community Development Law, her civic commitments include board participation in the Housing and Development Law Institute, The Dallas Historical Society and At LAST! As a member she supports The Real Estate Council, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Jack & Jill of America, Inc. and Longhorn Alumni Band.
Isaac Gouldsby
Vice President
Isaac C. Gouldsby, Jr. is currently in Management for Sheetz, Inc. His entrepreneurial qualities have been the hallmark of the successful businesses he has owned and managed in the field of technology. Isaac has mentored scores of individuals seeking advice in business ownership and he has consulted firms on logistics and strategy for competitiveness in new markets. He attended Hooks Colored High School and is one of the founders of the Grace Fort Gouldsby Scholarship Foundation. He attended Prairie View A&M College where he attained a Bachelors of Science in Mathematics, graduating Magna Cum Laude. A member of the first graduating class of Naval ROTC program established at a Historical Black College and University, Isaac undertakes initiatives to support the sustainability of various associations that support college students. Isaac launched a scholarship program providing cash awards to college-bound high school students in as a program with Hamilton Park Baptist Church. Isaac plays an active role with the Grace Fort Gouldsby Scholarship Foundation as the Vice President of the board of directors.
John Hicks
Treasurer
John H. Hicks has retired from over 30 years in management with the State of Texas Department of Transportation. He has vast experience in transportation, construction management services and risk management. John has shared his administrative and treasury skills by serving in leadership roles at his church where he is a trustee and works with the fiscal affairs of the church. As the Vice Chair of Finance, he works extensively with the leadership team and planning committees. He attended Hooks High School. A devoted grandfather, he continues to volunteer with youth sports. John plays an active role with the Grace Fort Gouldsby Scholarship Foundation as the Treasurer of the board of directors.
Yolanda Franklin
Secretary
Yolanda G. Franklin is a licensed physical therapist and the owner of a therapy based company which provides an array of therapeutic services to patients in the North Texas area. For over thirty years she has served as an executive in the healthcare industry and physical therapy provider. Yolanda is well known for her business savvy, management skills and coaching style to yield premium results from both her patients and her professional team. With a reputation of yielding results through therapy some would deem impossible, she finds time to volunteer in her community and church. She attended Hooks High School and is one of the founders of the Grace Fort Gouldsby Scholarship Foundation. She attended Stephen F. Austin State University and thereafter The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston where she graduated with honors. Yolanda is a member of the American Physical Therapy Association. Yolanda plays an active role with the Grace Fort Gouldsby Scholarship Foundation as the secretary of the board of directors.
Stephanie Blakely
Marketing
Stephanie Blakely is a Regional Marketing Leader for Grant Thornton, an audit, tax and advisory services firm. She provides leadership in driving engagement and revenue in alignment with Grant Thornton’s growth strategy. Stephanie has joined Grant Thornton to help further enhance the development and execution of regional and national based marketing plans, positioning her team for success by utilizing her expertise in account-based marketing. She has acquired a solid reputation for effective management of revenue and pipeline attainment, marketing execution, talent, and budget. Previously Stephanie led and managed in positions that span Sales and Marketing at IBM, was a Business Development Manager for an environment/civil engineering company and an Auditor for a Texas State agency. She attended Hooks High School. Stephanie is a graduate of The University of Texas with a Bachelor of Arts in Economics. She also holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Management from Dallas Baptist University. Stephanie plays an active role with the Grace Fort Gouldsby Scholarship Foundation as the Marketing Chair.
George Gouldsby
Community Outreach
George W. Gouldsby, II is a principal in an oil and gas based company specializing in marketing, supply chain, acquisitions, and financing. He is also an owner in a golf destination entertainment enterprise. An avid history buff, George devotes considerable time consulting on real estate projects and supporting non-profit endeavors focused on education and the arts. He enjoys philanthropy and supporting initiatives as a member at his church in Dallas, Texas. He attended Hooks High School and is one of the founders of the Grace Fort Gouldsby Scholarship Foundation. George is a licensed Real Estate Agent in the state of Texas. George mentors youth with an emphasis on self-preparedness and entrepreneurship. George plays an active role with the Grace Fort Gouldsby Scholarship Foundation as the Community Outreach Chair.
Cathy Carreathers
Community Outreach
Cathy Gurley Carreathers is a registered pharmacist (R.Ph.). Cathy has over twenty years experience practicing pharmacy in hospital, retail, and mail-order and has recently began a part-time opportunity in the specialty pharmacy setting. Cathy has served as the pharmacist-in-charge of two retail pharmacies during her tenure with CHRISTUS Health and gained experience in pharmacy management, supervising personnel, inventory control and customer service.
She attended Hooks High School and graduated in 1988. Cathy is a graduate of The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. Cathy’s civic contributions include service to her community through partnering with several local churches and organizations as a volunteer in their outreach ministries. It is her belief that serving God by serving others is the greatest form of self-realization.
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